Parcel and article sorting system and method with destination container removal

ABSTRACT

System includes an article supply location that includes a plurality of articles to be sorted, first and second transport vehicles, each having a first position in which an article is stowed about the vehicle and a second position in which the article is deposited into a proximal container, and one or more removal devices that transport the container to a location of further processing. System further includes a control system configured to receive an order for a plurality of disparate articles, determine one destination container of a plurality of destination containers to direct the transport vehicle to deposit a selected article, direct the first transport vehicle to transport a selected article to the destination container, deposit the article in the destination container, and transport the destination container to a location for further processing by manipulation of the removal device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/552,671 filed on Aug. 27, 2019, which claims priority to U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 62/727,619 filed on Sep. 6, 2018, theentire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The presently disclosed subject matter relates to handling of packages,and specifically to a parcel and article sorting system and method.

BACKGROUND

Parcel sorting includes dispensing packages going to differentdestinations through a delivery management system to realize unifiedtransport of packages. This is especially advantageous in an orderfulfillment center or shipping facility. Generally, a parcel or articlefor shipment will have a UPC, barcode, SKU, or similar identifier thatallows for identification of the parcel and destination. Similarly,article sorting includes dispensing articles that come from a pluralityof warehouse locations to different exits through a delivery managementsystem. Unified consolidation at a single exit or destination point ofall articles in a single order in a single article, package or parcelcan thus be realized, such as in a parcel fulfilment center. The sortingprocess is labor intensive and often involves processing errors anderroneous package arrival times. Additionally, packages may be damagedor packaged incorrectly, which reduces efficiency for all involvedparties. Automated sorting equipment can be used to address some ofthese issues. However, sorting equipment is costly, takes up largeportions of warehouse space, is limited in the volume of packages thatcan be sorted, is significantly underutilized at less than peak periods,and can have a long payback time frame.

Accordingly, opportunities exist for provision of an improved sortingsystem for parcels and articles.

SUMMARY

This summary is provided to introduce in a simplified form concepts thatare further described in the following detailed descriptions. Thissummary is not intended to identify key features or essential featuresof the claimed subject matter, nor is it to be construed as limiting thescope of the claimed subject matter.

In some embodiments, the presently disclosed subject matter is directedto system includes a first article supply location, wherein the firstarticle supply location includes a plurality of articles to be sortedthat have been pulled from batched orders from a first location in adistribution center. The system includes a second article supplylocation, wherein the second article supply location includes aplurality of articles to be sorted that have been pulled from batchedorders from a second location in the distribution center. A product typeof each article is determined by interacting with an informationacquisition device at a respective first article supply location andsecond article supply location. The system includes first and secondcomputer-controlled transport vehicles, each vehicle having a firstposition in which a selected article is stowed about the vehicle and asecond position in which the selected article is deposited into aproximal container by manipulating a support of the vehicle that carriesthe selected article and deposits the selected article when in thesecond position. The system includes a first platform elevated from afirst surface, wherein the first computer-controlled transport vehicletraverses the first platform and the selected articles are depositedinto a destination container positioned about the first surface. Thesystem includes a removal device configured to relocate a destinationcontainer from a position about the first surface to a locationdesignated for further processing of at least one article containedwithin the destination container. The system includes a control system.The control system is configured to receive an order for a plurality ofdisparate articles, wherein the disparate articles are found within thefirst or second article supply location after the articles have beenpulled from the distribution center. The control system is configured todetermine a first destination container of a plurality of destinationcontainers to direct a first transport vehicle to deposit a selectedarticle from the first or second article supply location based on adetermined product type, wherein the first destination containercorresponds with an order for a first business. The control system isconfigured to direct the first transport vehicle to transport theselected article to the first destination container and deposit theselected article by manipulation of the first transport vehicle from thefirst position to the second position for deposit of the selectedarticle in the first destination container. The control system isconfigured to determine a second destination container of a plurality ofdestination containers to direct a second transport vehicle to depositanother article from the first or second article supply location basedon a determined product type, wherein the second destination containercorresponds with an order for a second business. The control system isconfigured to direct the second transport vehicle to transport adisparate article to the second destination container and deposit thedisparate article by manipulation of the second transport vehicle fromthe first position to the second position for deposit of the disparatearticle in the second destination container. The control system isconfigured to determine a location that the destination container is tobe delivered to for further processing of at least one article in thedestination container. The control system is configured to determinewhen all of the articles required to complete at least one of the ordershas been deposited in the destination container. The control system isconfigured to direct the removal device to remove the destinationcontainer from the position proximal to the platform and transport it tothe location of further processing.

According to one or more embodiments, the control system is configuredto indicate when the destination container is full or when thedestination container has been removed whereby the control systemdirects at least one of the first and the second transport vehicles tocease delivery of articles to a removed destination container location.The control system is further configured to indicate when an emptydestination container is positioned proximal to the platform whereby thecontrol system directs the at least one of the first and the secondtransport vehicles to resume delivery of articles to the emptydestination container.

According to one or more embodiments, the removal device is configuredto replace destination containers that are full or that contain completeorders with empty destination containers.

According to one or more embodiments, the location of further processingcomprises one or more of packaging, gift wrapping, labeling, andassembly.

According to one or more embodiments, the removal device is fullyautomated or semi-automated.

According to one or more embodiments, the removal device is one of anautomatic guided vehicle, an automated mobile robot, and a rail robot.

According to one or more embodiments, the system comprises a pluralityof locations of further processing.

According to one or more embodiments, the determined product type of theselected article or the disparate article is determined by interactingwith an identifier of the selected article or the disparate article withthe information acquisition device, wherein the identifier is a UPC orother product code associated with the selected article or the disparatearticle.

According to one or more embodiments, the destination container ispositioned proximal an opening in the first platform, wherein thecontrol system is further configured to direct the first transportvehicle to traverse the first platform proximal the opening, thenmanipulate from the first position to the second position to deposit theselected article or the disparate article into the destination containerthrough the opening in the first platform.

According to one or more embodiments, each of the first transportvehicle and the second transport vehicle is configured to carry arespective single selected article at a time.

According to one or more embodiments, the system further includes aplurality of additional transport vehicles.

According to one or more embodiments, the control system is furtherconfigured to direct the first transport vehicle to return to a positionproximal the first article supply location, wherein the first transportvehicle is configured to be in the first position upon being positionedproximal the first article supply location.

According to one or more embodiments, the control system is configuredto direct a plurality of additional transport vehicles, wherein thecontrol system is further configured to direct the plurality ofadditional transport vehicles such that the plurality of additionaltransport vehicles does not collide with one another.

According to one or more embodiments, the control system is configuredto direct a plurality of additional removal devices, wherein the controlsystem is further configured to direct the plurality of additionalremoval devices such that the plurality of additional removal devicesdoes not collide with one another.

Disclosed herein is control system configured for use with materialhandling of a plurality of articles. The control system comprising amemory and a processor. The control system configured to receive aplurality of orders for a plurality of disparate articles. The controlsystem configured to batch the plurality of orders over a period oftime, wherein the plurality of disparate articles are received from afirst article supply location that has been pulled from batched ordersfrom a first location in a distribution center and from a second articlesupply location that has been pulled from batched orders from a secondlocation in the distribution center. The control system configured tointeract with an identifier affixed to a selected article or packagingassociated with the selected article to determine a product type of theselected article at the first article supply location or the secondarticle supply location. The control system configured to determine onedestination container of a plurality of destination containers todeposit, with a transport vehicle, the selected article, wherein thedestination container is determined based on at least one of the ordersand a determined product type of the selected article. The controlsystem configured to direct a first transport vehicle to transport theselected article to the one destination container and deposit theselected article by manipulation of the first transport vehicle from afirst position to a second position for deposit of the selected articlein the one destination container. The control system configured todetermine another destination container of a plurality of destinationcontainers to deposit, with a transport vehicle, a disparate selectedarticle, wherein the another destination container is determined basedon at least one of the orders and a determined product type of thedisparate selected article. The control system configured to direct asecond transport vehicle to transport the disparate selected article tothe another destination container and deposit the disparate selectedarticle by manipulation of the second transport vehicle from the firstposition to the second position for deposit of the disparate selectedarticle in the another destination container. The control systemconfigured to determine a location that the destination container is tobe delivered to for further processing of at least one article in thedestination container. The control system configured to determine whenall of the articles required to complete at least one order have beendeposited into the destination container. The control system configuredto direct a removal device to remove the destination container from aposition proximal to a platform and transport it to the location offurther processing.

Disclosed herein is a system. The system includes a first article supplylocation, wherein the first article supply location includes a pluralityof articles to be sorted that have been pulled from batched orders froma first location in a distribution center. The system includes a secondarticle supply location, wherein the second article supply locationincludes a plurality of articles to be sorted that have been pulled frombatched orders from a second location in the distribution center. Aproduct type of each article is determined by interacting with aninformation acquisition device at a respective first article supplylocation and second article supply location. The system includes aplatform assembly that includes a platform elevated from a proximalsurface, wherein the platform defines an opening and a destinationcontainer that is positioned proximal the opening in the platform orproximal a location at an edge of the platform. The system includesfirst and second computer-controlled transport vehicles, each transportvehicle having a first position in which a selected article is stowedabout a transport vehicle and a second position in which the selectedarticle is deposited into a proximal container by manipulating a supportof the vehicle that carried the selected article and deposits theselected article when in the second position. Each transport vehicletraverses the platform and positions proximal the opening to deposit theselected article in the destination container by manipulation from thefirst position to the second position. The system includes a removaldevice configured to relocate the destination container from a positionabout the proximal surface to a location designated for furtherprocessing of at least one articles contained within a designationcontainer. The system includes a control system. The control system isconfigured to receive an order for a plurality of disparate articles,wherein the disparate articles are found within the first and secondarticle supply location after the articles have been sorted and pulledat the distribution center. The control system is configured todetermine a first destination container of a plurality of receivingdestination containers to direct a first transport vehicle to depositthe selected article from the first or second article supply locationbased on a determined product type, wherein the first destinationcontainer corresponds with an order for a first business. The controlsystem is configured to direct the first transport vehicle to transportthe selected article to the first destination container and deposit theselected article by manipulation of the support of the first transportvehicle from the first position to the second position for deposit ofthe selected article in the first destination container. The controlsystem is configured to determine a second destination container of aplurality of destination containers to direct a second transport vehicleto deposit a disparate selected article from the first or second articlesupply location based on a determined product type, wherein the seconddestination container corresponds with an order for a second business.The control system is configured to direct the second transport vehicleto transport the disparate selected article to the destination containerand deposit the disparate selected article by manipulation of thesupport of the second transport vehicle from the first position to thesecond position for deposit of the disparate selected article in thedestination container. The control system is configured to determinewhen all articles required to complete at least one order for purchasehave been deposited in the destination container. The control system isconfigured to determine a location that the destination container is tobe delivered to for further processing of at least one article in thecontainer. The control system is configured to direct the removal deviceto remove the destination container from the position proximal to theplatform and transport it to the location of further processing.

According to one or more embodiments, the location of further processingcomprises one or more of packaging, gift wrapping, labeling, andassembly.

According to one or more embodiments, the system comprises a pluralityof locations of further processing.

According to one or more embodiments, the control system is furtherconfigured to determine a characteristic of an article by theinformation acquisition device interacting with the article, wherein thecharacteristic includes one of size, color, deformation or other defectof the article.

According to one or more embodiments, the determined product type of theselected article or the disparate selected article is determined by theinformation acquisition device interacting with an identifier of theselected article or the disparate selected article, wherein theidentifier is a UPC code (Universal Product Code) or other product codeassociated with the selected article or the disparate selected article.

According to one or more embodiments, the control system is configuredto direct the first transport vehicle to return to a position proximalthe first article supply location, wherein the first transport vehicleis configured to be in the first position upon being positioned proximalthe first article supply location.

According to one or more embodiments, the control system is configuredto direct a plurality of additional transport vehicles, wherein thecontrol system is further configured to direct the plurality ofadditional transport vehicles such that the plurality of additionaltransport vehicles does not collide with one another.

Disclosed herein is a system. According to various embodiments, thesystem comprises: an article supply location; a computer-controlledtransport vehicle; a removal device configured to relocate a destinationcontainer to a processing location designated for further processing ofat least one article contained within the destination container; and acontrol system. The control system configured to: determine adestination container to direct the transport vehicle to deposit aselected article from the article supply location, wherein thedestination container corresponds with a customer order; direct thetransport vehicle to transport the selected article to the destinationcontainer and deposit the selected article by manipulation of thetransport vehicle from a first position to a second position for depositof the selected article in the destination container; determine aprocessing location that the destination container is to be delivered tofor further processing of at least one article in the destinationcontainer; and, direct the removal device to transport the destinationcontainer to the processing location for further processing.

Disclosed herein is a system. According to various embodiments, thesystem comprises: an article supply location, wherein the article supplylocation includes a plurality of articles to be sorted that have beenpulled from batched orders from a location in a distribution center; acomputer-controlled transport vehicle having a first position in which aselected article is stowed about the vehicle and a second position inwhich the selected article is deposited into a proximal container bymanipulating a support of the vehicle that carries the selected articleand deposits the selected article when in the second position; a removaldevice configured to relocate a destination container to a processinglocation designated for further processing of at least one articlecontained within the destination container; and, a control system. Thecontrol system configured to: receive an order for a plurality ofdisparate articles, wherein the disparate articles are found within thearticle supply location after the articles have been pulled from thedistribution center; determine a destination container to direct thetransport vehicle to deposit a selected article from the article supplylocation, wherein the destination container corresponds with a shippingorder; direct the transport vehicle to transport the selected article tothe destination container and deposit the selected article bymanipulation of the transport vehicle from the first position to thesecond position for deposit of the selected article in the destinationcontainer; determine a processing location that the destinationcontainer is to be delivered to for further processing of at least onearticle in the destination container; and, direct the removal device totransport the destination container to the processing location forfurther processing.

Disclosed herein is a system. According to various embodiments, thesystem comprises: an article supply location, wherein the article supplylocation includes a plurality of articles to be sorted that have beenpulled from batched orders from a location in a distribution center;wherein a product type of each article is determined by interacting withan information acquisition device at the first article supply location;a computer-controlled transport vehicle having a first position in whicha selected article is stowed about the vehicle and a second position inwhich the selected article is deposited into a proximal container bymanipulating a support of the vehicle that carries the selected articleand deposits the selected article when in the second position; a removaldevice configured to relocate a destination container from a fillinglocation to a processing location designated for further processing ofat least one article contained within the destination container; and, acontrol system. The control system is configured to: receive an orderfor a plurality of disparate articles, wherein the disparate articlesare found within the article supply location after the articles havebeen pulled from the distribution center; determine a destinationcontainer of a plurality of destination containers to direct a transportvehicle to deposit a selected article from the article supply locationbased on a determined product type, wherein the destination containercorresponds with an order for a first business; direct the transportvehicle to transport the selected article to the destination containerand deposit the selected article by manipulation of the transportvehicle from the first position to the second position for deposit ofthe selected article in the destination container; determine aprocessing location that the destination container is to be delivered tofor further processing of at least one article in the destinationcontainer; determine when all of the articles required to complete atleast one of the orders has been deposited in the destination container;and, direct the removal device to remove the destination container fromthe filling location and transport it to the processing location offurther processing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a structural schematic diagram of a sorting system provided inaccordance with some embodiments of the presently disclosed subjectmatter.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the sorting system provided in accordancewith some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a sorting system provided in accordancewith some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 4 is a structural schematic diagram of a sorting system provided inaccordance with some embodiments of the presently disclosed subjectmatter.

FIG. 5 is a schematic flow diagram for sorting system in accordance withsome embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 6 is an illustration of a sorting system in accordance with someembodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 7 is an illustration of a sorting system provided in accordancewith some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Below, the technical solutions in the examples of the present inventionare depicted clearly and comprehensively with reference to the figuresaccording to the examples of the present invention. Obviously, theexamples depicted here are merely some examples, but not all examples ofthe present invention. In general, the components in the examples of thepresent invention depicted and shown in the figures herein can bearranged and designed according to different configurations. Thus,detailed description of the examples of the present invention providedin the figures below are not intended to limit the scope of the presentinvention as claimed, but merely represent selected examples of thepresent invention. On the basis of the examples of the presentinvention, all of other examples that could be obtained by a personskilled in the art without using inventive efforts will fall within thescope of protection of the present invention.

Below, the technical solutions set forth in the examples are depictedclearly and comprehensively with reference to the figures. It should beappreciated that the examples depicted herein are not limited to eachand every embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter. Ingeneral, the components in the disclosed examples and shown in thefigures herein can be arranged and designed according to differentconfigurations. Thus, detailed description of the examples of thepresent invention provided in the figures below are not intended tolimit the scope of the presently disclosed subject matter as claimed,but merely represent selected examples. On the basis of the examplesbelow, other examples that could be obtained by a person skilled in theart without using inventive efforts will fall within the scope of thepresently disclosed subject matter.

Example 1

According to Example 1, the presently disclosed subject matter isdirected to a parcel sorting system, as shown in FIG. 1. The parcelsorting system includes a parcel sorting device 100 and a parcelcollecting device 101. The parcel sorting device 100 is provided on theparcel collecting device with a plurality of parcel checking inlets 104and a plurality of parcel outlets 102. In one embodiment, the parcelcollecting device 101 is located just below the parcel sorting device100, as illustrated in FIG. 1. The plurality of parcel outlets 102 onthe parcel sorting device 100 are respectively in communication orconnected with the parcel collecting device 101. The plurality of parceloutlets 102 are respectively located at the middle or/and edges of theparcel sorting device 100, or throughout the parcel sorting device 100.Parcel collecting device 101 is provided thereon with storage devices103. One storage device is located at each of positions of the parceloutlets, and an opening diameter of the storage device 103 is greaterthan a diameter of the parcel outlet 102. In some embodiment, an openingperimeter of storage device 103 is greater than a perimeter of parceloutlet 102.

Parcel sorting device 100 and the parcel collecting device 101 can beembodied in various structures such as, for example, quadrangle, circle,polygon and similar other structures, and the parcel collecting device101 and the parcel sorting device 100 preferably have substantially thesame area.

In order to improve the parcel sorting efficiency, each of the parcelchecking inlets 104 ((see FIG. 4) is provided with one parcelinformation acquisition device 200 (see FIGS. 2 and 3). Parcel checkinginlets 104 can be in one-to-one correspondence with parcel informationacquisition devices 200. Further, parcel information acquisition devices200 are configured to acquire parcel information of the parcels to besorted that enter the parcel checking inlets 104 associated with each ofthe parcel information acquisition devices 200. The parcel informationcontains destinations of the parcels to be sorted.

A plurality of parcel checking inlets 104 are provided as shown, forexample, in FIG. 4. Each parcel checking inlet 104 is provided with aparcel information acquisition device 200 such that the informationacquisition and sorting of the plurality of parcels to be sorted may beperformed simultaneously at the plurality of parcel checking inlets 104.This can significantly increase the parcel information acquisitionefficiency, thereby improving the parcel sorting efficiency.

In the above, there are many ways in which parcel informationacquisition devices 200 can acquire the parcel information of theparcels to be sorted. For example, in some embodiments, the destinationinformation is carried in a destination address information codeprovided on the parcel to be sorted. Each of the parcel informationacquisition devices 200 can include a scanner configured to scan theinformation code for obtaining the destination of the parcel to besorted. In various embodiments, the parcels to be sorted are providedwith information codes thereon containing destination information.Parcel information acquisition devices 200 obtain the destinations ofthe parcels to be sorted by scanning the information codes, wherein theinformation code may be a bar code, a two-dimensional code, a radiofrequency tag, or similar other code or tag. Correspondingly, parcelinformation acquisition device 200 may be a bar code scanner, atwo-dimensional code scanner, a radio frequency identifier, or similarother corresponding device and the transport device 202 may be anauto-navigating small vehicle.

According to actual demands, in addition to the destination, the parcelinformation may further contain information about the parcel volume,weight, and/or similar other information. Correspondingly, the parcelinformation acquisition device 200 may further include a weighingdevice, a volume scanner, or a similar other corresponding device.

While the parcel information is obtained in a highly efficient manner,to improve the efficiency of subsequent sorting (i.e., after theplurality of parcel information acquisition devices 200 havesimultaneously acquired the parcel information of the respective parcelsto be sorted), control system 201 (see FIG. 2) is used to complete theanalytical processing of the obtained parcel information of all theparcels to be sorted by obtaining the destination information of therespective parcels to be sorted. Accordingly, the system can furtherinclude control system 201 in connection with all parcel informationacquisition devices 200, control system 201 operable to obtain theparcel information acquired by all the parcel information acquisitiondevices 200, to thereby obtain the destinations of the respectiveparcels to be sorted.

After obtaining the parcel information, to improve the efficiency of thesubsequent sorting processes, the system preferably further includes aplurality of transport devices 202, wherein the plurality of transportdevices 202 are in connection with the control system 201. Controlsystem 201 is pre-provided with parcel outlets 102 respectivelycorresponding to different destinations and is further configured tocontrol (according to the obtained destinations of the parcels to besorted) at least one of the transport devices 202 to transport theparcels to be sorted to the parcel outlets 102 corresponding to thedestinations of the parcels to be sorted, as shown, for example, in FIG.2.

After control system 201 has already obtained the destinations of therespective parcels to be sorted at the respective parcel checking inlets104, the parcel sorting can be completed just by obtaining the transportpaths of the respective parcels to be sorted through analysis accordingto the position of a respective parcel outlet 102 that corresponds tothe destination of a respective parcel to be sorted. Control system 201can then control at least one of the transport devices 202 to transport,according to the transport paths, each parcel to be sorted to therespective parcel outlet 102 corresponding to the destination of theparcel to be sorted.

In various embodiments, the analysis by control system 201 on thetransport paths of the respective parcels to be sorted can be performedsimultaneous to receiving the destinations of the respective parcels.After the path analysis is completed, the plurality of transport devices202 may be simultaneously controlled by control system 201 tosimultaneously complete transporting of the individual parcels to besorted by the transport devices 202, thereby significantly improving theparcel sorting efficiency.

Each of the transport devices 202 is configured to load one parcel to besorted or a plurality of parcels to be sorted that go to the samedestination. In some embodiments, transport device 202 is configured totransport one parcel to be sorted one time. Control system 201 sends acontrol instruction to a particular transport device 202 after obtainingthe destination of the parcel to be sorted that is going to betransported by that particular transport device 202, such that thetransport device 202 travels to the position of the parcel outlet 102corresponding to the destination of the parcel to be sorted.

In some embodiments, parcels to be sorted may be manually loaded ontotransport devices 202. In other embodiments, the parcels to be sortedmay be automatically loaded onto transport devices 202 by intelligentlycontrolling parcel gripping devices or the like via control system 201.Similarly, in some embodiments, the transport of the parcels to besorted from parcel outlets 102 to parcel collecting device 101 can beperformed manually, and may also be completed by intelligentlycontrolling parcel gripping devices or the like through the controlsystem 201.

To assure that the respective parcels to be sorted that are transportedto the parcel collecting device 101 can be delivered in time, the systemcan further include a detection device 204 and a transfer device 203(see Fig.). Detection device 204 is configured to detect whether astorage device 103 is full or not and to transmit to control system 201the obtained information regarding whether the storage device 103 isfull or not. Transfer device 203 is configured to transfer storagedevice 103 which is full according to an instruction from control system201. There are many options for transfer device 203; for example,transfer device 203 can be an intelligent robot in one embodiment. Inanother example, storage device 103 can mounted on transfer device 203,with transfer device 203 in the form of a large-scale auto-navigatingvehicle, the transfer device 203 moving to a position to load and unloadthe parcels according to the control instruction of the control system201, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

Based on the above-mentioned system architecture, additional examples ofthe present invention are implemented as set forth below.

In various embodiments, the respective transport devices, such as aforklift, transport the parcels to be sorted to the respective parcelchecking inlets 104. The parcel information acquisition devices 200 atthe respective parcel checking inlets 104 acquire the parcel informationof the respective parcels and transmit the acquired parcel informationto control system 201. Control system 201 performs simultaneous analysison the parcel information of the plurality of parcels to be sorted toobtain the destinations of the respective parcels and the parcel outlets102 corresponding to the respective destinations. Control system 201further controls the plurality of transport devices 202 tosimultaneously transport the respective parcels to be sorted to thecorresponding parcel outlets 102. The parcels to be sorted are deliveredfrom parcel outlets 102 into storage devices 103 on parcel collectingdevice 101 located below, and then are moved away from parcel outlets102 according to a control instruction of the control system 201 andwait for further instructions. The processes above are repeated untilall of the parcels to be sorted are delivered into storage devices 103.In the meantime, detection device 204 constantly detects whether thereis a storage device 103 that is full of parcels. When there is a storagedevice 103 full of parcels, control system 201 controls transfer device203 to transfer the storage device 103 that is full and placing an emptystorage device 103 at the position where the transferred storage device103 was, until sorting of all the parcels to be sorted is completed. Insome embodiments, the replacement of the full storage device 103 with anempty storage device 103 could also be performed by a person.

The parcel sorting system according to one or more embodiments of thepresently disclosed subject matter can make full use of the area ofparcel sorting device 100, increasing a plurality of effective parceloutlets 102 and can solve the traditional problem of goods accumulation.Checking efficiency can thereby be greatly increased to make the wholeoperation flow of the parcel sorting more systematic and intelligent. A“double” structure is creatively adopted, with parcel sorting device 100and parcel collecting device 101 being arranged one above the other forsorting parcels. Parcel outlets 102 on parcel sorting device 100 are incommunication with or positioned in alignment with parcel collectingdevice 101. During parcel sorting, the parcels to be sorted can enterparcel collecting device 101 arranged below just by passing through theparcel outlets 102, thereby completing the sorting. Such a structuraldesign can ensure that parcel outlets 102 can be flexibly arranged onthe edges of the parcel sorting device 100 or at middle positions of theedges, rather than only being provided at the edges of the parcelsorting device 100 as set forth in a typical existing installation. Themiddle position mentioned in the disclosed examples refers to positionson the parcel sorting device 100 other than the edges. The utilizationratio of the parcel sorting device 100 can be efficiently improved, thetransport path for parcel sorting can be shortened, the parcel sortingefficiency can be increased, and the design can be beneficial.

Example 2

According to Example 2, FIG. 5 illustrates one example of a disclosedparcel sorting method that is applied to a parcel sorting system. Theparcel sorting system comprises a parcel sorting device and a parcelcollecting device. The parcel sorting device is provided with aplurality of parcel checking inlets and a plurality of parcel outlets.The parcel collecting device is located just below the parcel sortingdevice. Each of the plurality of parcel outlets on the parcel sortingdevice is respectively in communication with parcel collecting device.The parcel outlets are respectively located at the middle and/or edgesof the parcel sorting device, and the parcel collecting device isrespectively provided thereon with storage devices. One storage deviceis located at each position of the parcel outlets, and an openingdiameter of the storage device is greater than a diameter of the parceloutlet.

The method includes step S300: presetting correspondence relationshipsbetween the parcel outlets and the parcels to be sorted that go todifferent destinations; Step S301: obtaining the destinations of theparcels to be sorted; Step S302: transporting the parcels to be sortedto the parcel outlets corresponding to the destinations of the parcelsto be sorted; and, Step S303: delivering, through the parcel outlets,the parcels to be sorted into the storage devices under the parceloutlets.

To improve the efficiency of parcel sorting, each of the parcel checkinginlets can be provided with a parcel information acquisition device. Theparcel checking inlets may be in one-to-one correspondence with theparcel information acquisition devices. Obtaining the destinations ofthe parcels to be sorted includes acquiring, by the respective parcelinformation acquisition devices, the parcel information of the parcelsto be sorted that enter the parcel checking inlets corresponding to theparcel information acquisition devices, with the parcel informationcontaining the destinations of the parcels to be sorted.

There are many manners for the parcel information acquisition devices toacquire the parcel information on the parcels to be sorted. For example,the destination information is carried in a destination addressinformation code provided on the parcel to be sorted. Each of the parcelinformation acquisition devices includes a scanner configured to scanthe information code for obtaining the destination of the parcel to besorted. For example, in one embodiment, the parcels to be sorted areprovided thereon with information codes containing destinationinformation of the parcels to be sorted. The parcel informationacquisition devices obtain the destinations of the parcels to be sortedby scanning the information codes on the parcels to be sorted. Theinformation code may be a bar code, a QR code, a RF tag or a similarother code or tag, and correspondingly, the parcel informationacquisition device may be a bar code scanner, a two-dimensional codescanner, a radio frequency identifier, or a similar other correspondingcode or tag reader. The transport device may be an auto-navigating smallvehicle.

According to actual demands, in addition to the destination, the parcelinformation may further contain information about the parcel volume,weight, and/or similar other information. Correspondingly, the parcelinformation acquisition device may further include a weighing device, avolume scanner, or a similar other corresponding device.

According to various embodiments, while the parcel information isobtained in a highly-efficiently manner, to improve the efficiency ofsubsequent sorting, after the plurality of parcel informationacquisition devices simultaneously acquire the parcel information of therespective parcels to be sorted, the control device is used to completethe analytical processing of the obtained parcel information of all theparcels to be sorted, thereby obtaining the destination information ofthe respective parcels. For example, the system can further include acontrol device and a plurality of transport devices, wherein thecorrespondence relationships between the parcel outlets and the parcelsto be sorted that go to different destinations are preset in the controldevice. Transporting the parcels to be sorted to the parcel outletscorresponding to the destinations of the parcels to be sorted includesobtaining, by the control device, the parcel information acquired by allthe parcel information acquisition devices to obtain the destinations ofthe respective parcels to be sorted; and, controlling at least one ofthe transport devices, according to the obtained destinations of theparcels to be sorted, to transport the parcels to be sorted to theparcel outlets corresponding to the destinations of the parcels to besorted.

After obtaining the parcel information, to improve the efficiency of thesubsequent sorting processes, the system can further include a detectiondevice and a transfer device. The method can accordingly further includeobtaining, by the control device, the information detected by thedetection device about whether the storage device is full or not, andwhen obtaining information indicating that the storage device is full,transmitting to the transfer device an instruction for transferring thestorage device that is full.

In various embodiments, the control device can previously be providedwith the destinations of the respective parcels to be sorted at therespective parcel checking inlets. The parcel sorting can be completedjust by obtaining the transport paths of the respective parcels to besorted through analysis according to the positions of the parcel outletscorresponding to the destinations of the respective parcels to besorted, and then controlling at least one of the transport devices totransport, according to the transport paths. The transport devices canthen deposit each of the parcels to be sorted to the parcel outletscorresponding to the destinations of the parcels to be sorted.

In various embodiments, the analysis by the control device on thetransport paths of the respective parcels to be sorted can be performedsimultaneous to receiving the destinations of the respective parcels.After the path analysis is completed, the plurality of transport devicesmay be simultaneously controlled by the control device to simultaneouslycomplete transporting of the respective parcels to be sorted, therebysignificantly improving the parcel sorting efficiency.

Each of the transport devices is configured to load one parcel to besorted or a plurality of parcels to be sorted that go to the samedestination. In some embodiments, the transport device is configured totransport one parcel to be sorted one time. The control device sends acontrol instruction to the transport device after obtaining thedestination of the parcel to be sorted that is going to be transportedby the transport device that are mobile, such that the transport devicetravels to the position of the parcel outlet corresponding to thedestination of the parcel to be sorted.

In various embodiments, the parcels to be sorted may be manually loadedonto the transport device. In other embodiments, the parcels to besorted may be automatically loaded onto the transport devices byintelligently controlling parcel gripping devices or the like throughthe control device. Similarly, in some embodiments, the transport of theparcels to be sorted from the parcel outlets to the parcel collectingdevice can be performed manually and may also be completed byintelligently controlling parcel gripping devices or the like throughthe control device.

As to the methods provided in the disclosed examples, the implementationprinciples and the technical effects produced thereof are the same as orsimilar to those in the preceding examples regarding the systems. Forbrief description, as for contents not mentioned in the examplesregarding the methods, reference can be made to the correspondingcontents in the preceding examples regarding the systems.

Example 3

According to Example 3, as illustrated in FIG. 6, various embodiments ofthe presently disclosed subject matter are directed to a system for usein an order fulfillment center or any other facility that receivesorders or listings of articles for an order. The system provides animprovement for sorting orders and packaging the same for fulfillment.The system includes a platform that is elevated proximal to a lowerlevel, which in some embodiments may be a second platform. The platformprovides a surface for transport vehicles 202 to traverse to deposit anarticle to a destination container 212. In operation, a device orconveyor delivers a container of articles proximal a chute 214 or othermaterial handling system. The chute 214 or other material handlingsystem delivers the container of articles to an article supply location.The container may contain products that are identical to each other ormay be disparate products. The article supply, i.e., the articles shownin the containers, can be a supply of articles that has identifier 216on each article. Parcel information acquisition devices 200 obtain theinformation contained in identifier 216 of the articles to be sorted byidentifying the information codes present therein. The information codecan be a bar code, a two-dimensional code, a radio frequency tag, orsimilar other code or tag, and correspondingly, the parcel informationacquisition device 200 may be a bar code scanner, a two-dimensional codescanner, a radio frequency identifier, or similar other correspondingdevice. Additionally, the information acquisition device can beconfigured to image the article and compare against a database of knownarticles to determine a characteristic, SKU, or identity of the article.

An operator an select an article from the delivered container and imagean identifier 216 positioned on the article via parcel informationacquisition device 200. Optionally, parcel information acquisitiondevice 200 can automatically interact with identifier 216 for articlerecognition without the need for any action on the part of the operator.The operator can place the article on the transport vehicle 202, or thesystem and process may be set up so that such deposition of article ontothe transport vehicle 202 is automated. Parcel information acquisitiondevice 200 can then communicate the article identifier information tocontrol system 201 in communication with parcel information acquisitiondevice 200 via the network.

Transport vehicle 202 may have a first position in which an article isstowed about the vehicle and a second position in which the article isdeposited into a proximal destination container. In one or moreembodiments, transport vehicle 202 can be an auto-navigating smallvehicle.

Control system 201 is configured to determine one destination container212 of a plurality of destination containers to deposit, with thetransport vehicle 202, a selected article based on the interaction withidentifier 216 present on the selected article. The control system 201is further configured to direct the transport vehicle to transport theselected article to a specific destination container 212 and deposit thearticle by manipulation of the transport car from the first position tothe second position for deposit of the selected article in the specificdestination container 212.

In various embodiments, the system may be embodied in a multiple levelarrangement. The multiple level arrangement can include an elevatedplatform above a lower level, wherein the lower level can be the flooror a second platform. In operation, the control device determines that adestination container needs an article deposited therein. In themultiple level arrangement, the destination container is positionedproximal an opening in the elevated platform. As directed by the system,the transport vehicle traverses the elevated platform to the destinationcontainer and deposits the article by manipulation of the transportvehicle from the first position to the second position for deposit ofthe selected article in the destination container.

As an illustrative example, consider a situation at an order fulfillmentfacility where an order calls for 3 red shirts, 2 blue shirts, and 2pair of blue jeans to be transported to an end destination retailer. Thecontrol system 2011 may know that at article supply #1 has the redshirts, article supply #5 has the blue shirts, and article supply #13has the blue jeans. The control system 201 proceeds to direct arespective transport vehicle 202 to each of article supply #1, articlesupply #5, and article supply #13. The control system 201 alsodetermines or otherwise knows that the destination container fordelivery of the order is located at a certain location on the platform.The control system 201 then directs each respective transport vehicle202 to deposit articles into the destination container until the entireorder is filled. When the order had been filed, control system 201 canthen direct or otherwise instruct removal of the destination container.

The control system may be further configured to direct the transportvehicle to return to be proximally located at any article supply. Thetransport vehicle is in the first position upon being proximal to anarticle supply. The control system may be further configured to direct aplurality of transport vehicles such that the transport vehicles do notcollide with one another.

Disclosed herein is thus a system that includes an article supply. Thearticle supply includes a plurality of articles associated with an orderfulfillment center. In operation, the system has a method or materialhandling system to move and transport containers of articles. The methodor material handling system delivers a container of articles to anarticle supply location. The container may contain product that isidentical or may be disparate product. Control system 201 communicatesover a network. The network may be a wired or wireless network, such asBluetooth®, WIFI, a specific Radio Frequency, cellular, and the like.Control system 201 may be embodied as a server with a processor and amemory, where the processor executes many instructions provided herein.

Control system 201 forming part of the control system may be configuredto receive an order for a plurality of disparate articles to fulfill anorder. The disparate articles may be a plurality of similar articleshaving different sizes, colors, and the like, such as apparel, or thedisparate articles may be largely unrelated. Control system 201 can beconfigured to determine one destination container of a plurality ofdestination containers to deposit, with the transport vehicle, aselected article. Control system 201 can be configured to direct thetransport vehicle to transport the selected article which is stowedabout the vehicle to the destination container and deposit the articleby manipulation of the transport vehicle from the first position to thesecond position for deposit of the selected article in the destinationcontainer. Control system 201 can be configured to direct the transportvehicle to transport a disparate article to the destination containerand deposit the disparate article by manipulation of the transportvehicle from the first position to the second position for deposit ofthe selected disparate article in the destination container. Controlsystem 201 may be configured to determine when the order is complete.

The control system as disclosed herein can include a parcel informationacquisition device 200 that is configured to image the selected article.The control system may then be further configured to determine acharacteristic of the selected article by interacting with the selectedarticle with the information acquisition device. This interaction mayinclude optical recognition to determine one or more characteristic ofan article, including size, color, deformation or other defect, UPC orother identifying code, and the like. The control system can be furtherconfigured to determine a characteristic of the selected article byinteracting with an identifier 216 of the selected article with theinformation acquisition device. The identifier may be a UPC or othersimilar other product code associated with the article.

The control system can further include an elevated platform above alower level. The transport vehicle traverses the platform. Thedestination container is positioned proximal a recess in the platform.The transport vehicle traverses the platform, positions the vehicleproximal the recess and then manipulates from the first position to thesecond position to deposit the article. Each transport vehicle can carrya respective single selected article, and multiple transport vehiclesmay be traversing the platform at any given time. The control system canbe configured to direct the transport vehicle to return to a positionproximal an article supply. The transport vehicle is in the firstposition upon being proximal an article supply. The control system canbe configured to direct a plurality of transport vehicles. The controlsystem is further configured to direct the plurality of transportvehicles such that the transport vehicles do not collide with oneanother.

A method is also provided herein. The method can include receiving anorder for a plurality of disparate articles; determining one destinationcontainer of a plurality of destination containers to direct thetransport vehicle to deposit a selected article; and, directing thefirst transport vehicle to transport the selected article to thedestination container and deposit the article by manipulation of thefirst transport vehicle from the first position to the second positionfor deposit of the selected article in the destination container. Themethod can further include directing the second transport vehicle totransport a disparate article to the destination container and depositthe disparate article by manipulation of the second transport vehiclefrom the first position to the second position for deposit of theselected disparate article in the destination container, and determiningwhen all articles required to complete the order have been deposited inthe destination container.

Example 4

According to Example 4, an additional example utilizing the same or manyof the components discussed in regard to Example 3, a control systemreceives an order for fulfillment. The order, in this example, mayinclude articles from various portions of a warehouse or fulfillmentcenter. The control system batches the orders, thus allowing formultiple orders to be fulfilled at once in a time efficient manner.

The control system may then determine that a first plurality of articlesto be sorted is located within a first portion of the fulfillmentcenter, and a second plurality of articles to be sorted is locatedwithin a second portion of the fulfillment center, and the like. Thepluralities of articles span the batched orders.

The control system may direct a person or an automated machine to pullthe plurality of articles associated with the batched orders where thearticles are in a first location of the fulfillment center. Those pulledarticles in the first location may then be positioned in a case, bin, orother container. The control system may similarly direct a person or anautomated machine to pull the plurality of articles associated with thebatched orders where the articles are in a second location of thefulfillment center. The pulled articles in the second location may thenbe positioned into a separate case, bin, or other container. The bin orother container is then taken to a conveyor, chute, or the like totransport the pulled articles to a location of article supply. A personcan then position an article from the pulled articles onto a transportvehicle, or an automated machine can then position the article onto thetransport vehicle.

The information acquisition device can then image the UPC or otheridentifying code on the article to determine the article identity. Theinformation acquisition device then communicates the article identity tothe control system, which is then able to compare the article identityto the database of orders that have been batched and assign adestination container for depositing the article based on the orders.The control system does this for each article until the orders arefilled.

The destination container can be positioned below the platform, where achute may extend from the elevated platform to the destination containerin order to guide the article into the destination container.

Example 5

According to Example 5, an additional example utilizing the same or manyof the components discussed in regard to Example 3, a control systemreceives an order for store fulfillment. The order, in this example, mayinclude articles from various portions of a warehouse or fulfillmentcenter. The control system batches orders for stores, thus allowing formultiple store orders to be fulfilled at once in a time efficientmanner. The control system may then determine that a plurality ofarticles to be sorted is located within a first portion of thefulfillment center, and a second plurality of articles to be sorted islocated within a second portion of the fulfillment center, and the like.The plurality of articles spans the store orders.

The control system may then direct a person or an automated machine topull the plurality of articles associated with the stores orders wherethe articles are in the first portion of the fulfillment center. Thosepulled articles in the first location may then be positioned in a case,bin or other container. Similarly, the pulled articles in the secondlocation may then be positioned into a separate case, bin or othercontainer. The bin or other container is then taken to a conveyor,chute, small vehicle, or the like to transport the pulled articles to alocation of article supply. A person may then place an article onto atransport vehicle, or an automated machine may then place the articleonto the transport vehicle.

The information acquisition device may then image the UPC or otheridentifying code on the article to determine the article identity. Theinformation acquisition device then communicates the article identity tothe control system which is then able to compare the article identity tothe database of store orders that have been batched and assign adestination container for depositing the article based on the individualstore. The control system then does this for each article until a storeorder is filled.

The control system may be further configured to segregate a store orderinto departments such that all articles for a given store department areassigned to a single destination container. Store departments mayinclude or be defined as women's, men's, shoes, and similar other items.

The destination container may be positioned below the platform, where achute may extend from the elevated platform to the destination containerin order to guide the article into the destination container.

Example 6

According to Example 6, an additional example utilizing the same or manyof the components discussed in regard to Example 3, an operationreceives returns of articles from a customer. The returns arrive at areturns processing area and are received into the facility. Inoperation, a method, device or conveyor delivers a container of returnedarticles proximal a chute or other material handling system or method.The material handling system or method delivers the container ofreturned articles to an article supply location.

An operator may then place a single returned article onto a transportvehicle, or an automated machine may then place the article onto thetransport vehicle.

The information acquisition device may then image the UPC or otheridentifying code on the article to determine the article identity. Theinformation acquisition device then communicates the article identity tothe control system is then able to compare the article identity to thedatabase of the articles in the article master database and assign adestination container for depositing the article based on the articleidentity or SKU. The control system then does this for each articleuntil all returned articles have been transported and deposited intodestination containers. The control system can be configured totransport and deposit identical or similar articles into a singledestination container.

The destination container may be positioned below the platform, where achute may extend from the elevated platform to the destination containerin order to guide the article into the destination container.

Example 7

According to Example 7, an additional example utilizing the same or manyof the components discussed in regard to Example 3, a control systemreceives an order for fulfillment. The order can include articles fromvarious portions of a warehouse or fulfillment center. The controlsystem batches orders, thus allowing for multiple orders to be fulfilledat once in a time efficient manner. The control system can thendetermine that a plurality of articles to be sorted is located within afirst portion of the fulfillment center, and a second plurality ofarticles to be sorted is located within a second portion of thefulfillment center, and the like. The plurality of articles spans thebatched orders.

The control system can then direct a person or an automated machine topull the plurality of articles associated with the batched orders wherethe articles are in the first portion of the fulfillment center. Thosepulled articles in the first location may then be positioned in a case,bin, or other container. Similarly, the pulled articles in the secondlocation may then be positioned into a separate case, bin, or othercontainer. The bin or other container is then taken to a conveyor,chute, or the like to transport the pulled articles to a location ofarticle supply. A person may then position an article onto a transportvehicle, or an automated machine may then position the article onto thetransport vehicle.

The information acquisition device can then image the UPC or otheridentifying code on the article to determine the article identity. Theinformation acquisition device then communicates the article identity tothe control system, which is then able to compare the article identityto the database of orders that have been batched and assign adestination container for depositing the article based on the orders.The control system does this for each item until the orders are filled.The destination container can be positioned on the same platform orsurface as the transport vehicle and the transport vehicle can depositdirectly into the destination container.

Example 8

According to Example 1, an additional example utilizing the same or manyof the components discussed in regard to Examples 1-7, the disclosedsystem comprises one or more removal devices configured to relocate adestination container. Particularly, the removal device is configured torelocate a destination container from a position below or alongside aplatform as disclosed herein to a location designated for furtherprocessing of at least one article contained within the designationcontainer.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, the disclosed system can include platform 250that extends from a first surface. The platform 250 defines one or moreplatform openings 255 through which articles are deposited intodestination containers 260. One or more computer-controlled transportvehicles 202 traverse platform 250 and are configured to have a firstposition in which an article is stowed upon transport vehicle 202, and asecond position in which the article is deposited into a destinationcontainer by manipulating a holder carried by transport vehicle 202.Transport vehicles 202 therefore function to deposit articles stowedthereon into destination containers positioned below an opening in theplatform or alongside a position at the edge of the platform bymanipulation of the transport vehicle first position to the secondposition. Accordingly, in use, one or more transport vehicles 202traverse platform 250 and can be positioned proximal to platform opening255. In some embodiments, the platform can include a chute or othermechanism that connects platform opening 255 and destination container260 to guide the article into the destination container.

The system further includes removal device 265 configured to relocatedestination container 260 from a position about the first surface (e.g.,beneath a platform opening or alongside a location on the edge of theplatform) to processing location 270 for further processing of anarticle contained within the destination container, as illustrated byArrows A. The processing location can be configured for any desiredprocessing of an article, including, but not limited to, packaging andvalue-added services such as labeling, gift wrapping, assembly, and thelike. In some embodiments, the disclosed system can include a pluralityof processing locations 270, and each destination container 260 can betransported via removal device 265 to one or more processing locations270.

Removal device 265 can transport destination container 260 using anyknown method. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, in some embodiments, theremoval device can include wheels or other mechanical elements to allowmovement in a desired direction through any desired mechanism. However,the removal device is not limited and can include any device capable ofmoving across a surface. For example, in some embodiments, suitableremoval devices can include, but are not limited to, automatic guidedvehicles (AGVs), automated mobile robots, rail bots, semi-automatedvehicles, and the like. In various embodiments, the removal device canbe semi-automated or fully automated. In some embodiments, the removaldevice can include any computer-controlled or user-controlled deviceknown or used in the art. In various embodiments, the removal device canrelocate destination container 260 using any desired method. Forexample, the destination container 260 can be hauled, dragged, toted,carried, lifted, or otherwise moved to processing location 270.

The disclosed system further includes a control system. As set forthherein above, the control system is configured to receive an order forone or more disparate articles found within an article supply locationafter the articles have been pulled from a distribution center. Thecontrol system determines a destination container 260 to direct atransport vehicle to deposit a selected article based on the determinedproduct type. The product type can be determined by interacting with anidentifier of the article (e.g., UPC or other product code associatedwith the article) with an information acquisition device. Thedestination container 260 corresponds with an order for a business. Thecontrol system directs the transport vehicle 202 to transport theselected article to the destination container 260 and deposit theselected article by manipulation of the transport vehicle 202 from thefirst position to the second position. The destination container 260 canbe positioned proximal to (e.g., beneath) an opening in a firstplatform.

The control system further determines processing location 270 that thedestination container 260 is to be delivered to for further processingof at least one article in the container. Any known processing actioncan be performed at processing location 270. For example, the processinglocation can be configured for assembly of an item or order. In someembodiments, assembly can include grouping a plurality of items togetherto be shipped as a unit or as a single order. In some embodiments,assembly can include grouping together items that are to be shipped to acommon location (e.g., zip code, city, or similar other attributes). Anorder or item can be manufactured or constructed into a final formduring assembly (e.g., two portions of an order can be joined).

In some embodiments, processing location 270 can be configured for giftwrapping an order or article. Gift wrapping can include receiving andenclosing a gift in a decorative enclosure. In some embodiments, thegift wrapping can include covering the outside of the order or articlein the decorative enclosure. In some embodiments, the gift wrapping caninclude packaging the order or article in a container (such as a box)and then gift wrapping the container. Gift wrapping can include theaddition of a card or other element from the sender with a message,receipt, or a similar other piece of information. Gift wrapping atprocessing location 270 can be automated or semi-automated in someembodiments.

In some embodiments, processing location 270 can be configured topackage an article or order. The term “package” as used herein refers toenclosing a particular article and/or order in a suitable container(e.g., box, envelope, padded mailer), such as for shipping. Packagingcan further include the addition of filler materials to cushion thepackaged item and prevent or eliminate damage. Suitable filler materialscan include shipping peanuts, air cellular material, foam inserts, paperstuffing, paper shredding, and the like. In some embodiments, packagingcan include the insertion of an order receipt, order form, returninstructions, use instructions, packing list, and similar otherattributes within the interior of the package to allow the receiver toensure the entire order has been received. In some embodiments,packaging can include sealing the package, such as with tape, adhesive,and the like. Packaging at processing location 270 can be automated orsemi-automated in some embodiments.

Processing location 270 can comprise labeling the order or article, suchas after packaging has occurred. Suitable labeling can includeinformation such as shipping data, return data, tracking number, date,shipping cost, and similar other attributes. In some embodiments, thelabeling information can be printed directly onto the packaging or itcan be affixed to the package exterior. The labeling can be automated orsemi-automated.

The control system as disclosed herein directs removal device 265 toremove destination container 260 from the position proximal to theplatform 250 and transport it to the determined processing location. Thedisclosed system can include a plurality of processing locations 270.Alternatively, a single processing location can be configured to performmore than one task (e.g., packaging and labeling). The control systemcan be configured to direct a plurality of removal devices 265 such thatthere are no collisions.

The control system can be further configured to determine when all ofthe articles required to complete at least one of the orders has beendeposited into the destination container. The control system can send anotification that a particular order has been completed.

In some embodiments, the control system is further configured toindicate when the destination container is full or when the destinationcontainer is removed from its location so that the transport vehiclewill not deliver articles to that location. The control system isfurther configured, and when an empty destination container ispositioned proximal the platform, that the position can once againreceive articles.

The control system is configured to indicate when the destinationcontainer is full or when the destination container has been removedwhereby the control system directs a transport vehicle to cease deliveryof articles to the removed destination container location. The controlsystem is further configured to indicate when an empty destinationcontainer is positioned proximal to the platform whereby the controlsystem directs the transport vehicle to resume delivery of articles tothe empty destination container.

In some embodiments, the removal device also operates to replacedestination containers that are full or that contain complete orderswith empty destination containers.

In some embodiments, the control system can be configured to direct thetransport vehicle to return to a position proximal the first articlesupply location after the article has been processed.

As to the above, they are merely specific embodiments of the presentlydisclosed subject matter. However, the scope of protection is notlimited thereto, and within the disclosed technical scope, anymodifications or substitutions that a person skilled in the art couldreadily conceive of should fall within the scope of protection of thepresently disclosed subject matter. Thus, the scope of protection shallbe determined by the scope of protection of the appended claims.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. Asused herein, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” are intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify thepresence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements,and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of oneor more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements,components, and/or groups thereof.

The descriptions of the various embodiments of the present inventionhave been presented for purposes of illustration, but are not intendedto be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments disclosed. Manymodifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skillin the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the describedembodiments. The terminology used herein was chosen to best explain theprinciples of the embodiments, the practical application or technicalimprovement over technologies found in the marketplace, or to enableothers of ordinary skill in the art to understand the embodimentsdisclosed herein.

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of allmeans or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended toinclude any structure, material, or act for performing the function incombination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. Thedescription of the present invention has been presented for purposes ofillustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive orlimited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications andvariations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the artwithout departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Theembodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain theprinciples of the invention and the practical application, and to enableothers of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention forvarious embodiments with various modifications as are suited to theparticular use contemplated.

These and other changes can be made to the disclosure in light of theDetailed Description. While the above description describes certainembodiments of the disclosure, and describes the best mode contemplated,no matter how detailed the above appears in text, the teachings can bepracticed in many ways. Details of the system may vary considerably inits implementation details, while still being encompassed by the subjectmatter disclosed herein. As noted above, particular terminology usedwhen describing certain features or aspects of the disclosure should notbe taken to imply that the terminology is being redefined herein to berestricted to any specific characteristics, features, or aspects of thedisclosure with which that terminology is associated. In general, theterms used in the following claims should not be construed to limit thedisclosure to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification,unless the above Detailed Description section explicitly defines suchterms. Accordingly, the actual scope of the disclosure encompasses notonly the disclosed embodiments, but also all equivalent ways ofpracticing or implementing the disclosure under the claims.

1-10. (canceled)
 11. A system comprising: a computer-controlledtransport vehicle having a first position in which a selected article isstowed about the vehicle and a second position in which the selectedarticle is deposited into a proximal container by manipulating a supportof the vehicle that carries the selected article; a removal deviceconfigured to relocate a destination container from a position about thefirst surface to a location designated for further processing of atleast one article contained within the destination container, whereinthe removal device is one of: an automatic guided vehicle, an automatedmobile robot, and a rail robot; a control system configured to: receivean order for a plurality of disparate articles, wherein the disparatearticles are found within an article supply location; determine a firstdestination container of a plurality of destination containers to directa transport vehicle to deposit a selected article from an article supplylocation based on a determined product type; determine a transport pathfor the vehicle to the first destination container; direct the transportvehicle to transport the selected article to the first destinationcontainer and deposit the selected article by manipulation of the firsttransport vehicle from the first position to the second position fordeposit of the selected article in the first destination container;determine a location that the destination container is to be deliveredto for further processing of at least one article in the destinationcontainer; determine when to cease delivery of articles to thedestination container; direct the removal device to transport thedestination container to the location of further processing.
 12. Thesystem of claim 11, further comprising a first platform elevated from asecond platform in a multiple level arrangement, wherein the vehicletraverses the first platform and the selected articles are depositedinto a destination container positioned about the first surface.
 13. Thesystem of claim 11, wherein the control system is configured to directthe vehicle to cease delivery of articles to the destination container.14. The system of claim 13, wherein the control system is configureddirect the vehicle to resume delivery of articles to a furtherdestination container.
 15. The system of claim 11, wherein the firstdestination container corresponds with a first order.
 16. The system ofclaim 11, wherein the removal device comprises a forked lifting device.17. The system of claim 11, wherein the location of further processingcomprises one or more of packaging, shipping, gift wrapping, labeling,and assembly.
 18. The system of claim 11, wherein the removal device isfully automated or semi-automated.
 19. The system of claim 11, whereinthe system further comprises a rail robot.
 20. The system of claim 11,wherein the system further comprises a plurality of locations of furtherprocessing.
 21. The system of claim 11, wherein the determined producttype of the selected article is determined by interacting with anidentifier of the selected article with an information acquisitiondevice, wherein the identifier is a UPC (Universal Product Code) orother product code associated with the selected article.
 22. The systemof claim 11, wherein the destination container is positioned proximal afirst platform, wherein the control system is further configured todirect the vehicle to traverse the first platform proximal thedestination container, then manipulate from the first position to thesecond position to deposit the selected article or the disparate articleinto the destination container.
 23. The system of claim 11, wherein thevehicle is configured to carry a respective single selected article at atime.
 24. The system of claim 11, wherein the vehicle is configured tocarry a plurality of articles at a time.
 25. The system of claim 11,wherein the control system is further configured to direct the vehicleto return to a position proximal the article supply location, whereinthe vehicle is configured to be in the first position upon beingpositioned proximal the article supply location.
 26. The system of claim11, wherein the control system is further configured to direct aplurality of additional removal devices, wherein the control system isfurther configured to direct the plurality of additional removal devicessuch that the plurality of additional removal devices does not collidewith one another.
 27. The system of claim 11, wherein the control systemis further configured to receive a plurality of orders for a pluralityof disparate articles, and batch the plurality of orders over a periodof time.
 28. The system of claim 11, wherein the control system isfurther configured to interact with an identifier affixed to a selectedarticle or packaging associated with the selected article to determine aproduct type of the selected article at the article supply location. 29.The system of claim 11, wherein the control system is further configuredto direct the vehicle to return to a position proximal the articlesupply location, wherein the vehicle is configured to be in the firstposition upon being positioned proximal the article supply location. 30.The system of claim 11, wherein the control system is configured todirect the removal device to replace destination containers that arefull or that contain complete orders with empty destination containers.31. The system of claim 11, wherein the control system is configured todirect a manual replacement of destination containers that are full orthat contain complete orders with empty destination containers.
 32. Thesystem of claim 11, wherein the removal device comprises one of: fullyautomated, semi-automated, computer-controlled, and user-controlled.